Tips for finding a nursing home for a loved one

Posted on behalf of Michael D'Amico of D'Amico & Pettinicchi, LLC on Sep 18, 2014 in Nursing Home Neglect

As people throughout the state of Connecticut continue to live longer lives there is a growing need for families to determine how their loved ones will be cared for when they are unable to do so themselves. For many people this involves looking for a nursing home for that person to live. As is the case with any big decision regarding care it is important to take the matter seriously. Accordingly, most people find it advantageous to gather information regarding the possible options.

The first thing people looking at a prospective nursing home for a loved one should be concerned about is the facility’s staffing. It goes without saying that the staffing should be adequate for the number of residents and that the treatment provided should be free of abuse or neglect. Proper staffing can help prevent infections and even ensure basics such as a resident getting enough to eat. In addition, the staff should treat the residents with respect while caring for them. This may be most obvious to see in one-on-one interactions with residents.

The next thing that you should be looking for when visiting a nursing home is how safe it is. Checking the online evaluations available will indicate whether a home has any violations. While a follow-up with an administrator could determine that the violation was minor, in other situations it may be more serious. It is also a good idea to look at the physical conditions of the facility. Specifically be aware of physical conditions that could result in a resident tripping and falling, like a frayed carpet.

It is of course also important to learn what it is that residents do all day. In most cases loved ones of residents would like to know that there are activities to keep them occupied. Accordingly, it is a good idea to find out what options are available.

Taking the time to look into these matters ahead of time can go a long way toward providing a resident with a fulfilling life. It can also help to make sure that they are in a safe environment and will be well taken care of.